"It was hard for me to know it has come to an end. A beautiful end," he said. "I haven't been really thinking about going to New York."

He likely will as of Monday, when Heisman finalists are announced. Te'o should garner enough votes to earn an invite, even if Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel appears to be a prohibitive favorite.

"Without my team, I wouldn't be a Heisman candidate," Te'o said. "If we weren't 12-0, I wouldn't be a Heisman candidate.

"If I were to win and represent my school and my team and my family, and defensive players in general, it would definitely be a great step for us. If it doesn't happen, then whoever does win it is truly deserving of the award."

The Irish linebacker has seen Manziel — aka "Johnny Football" — and he has been impressed.